I am sexually active with a girl who just found out her male roommate has genital herpes. They share towels and wash their clothes together, plus use the same toilet. Neither one of us has shown signs of herpes, but we want to know if it is possible to get the virus from using the same toilet and towels? If so, can our doctors test us before we have an outbreak? And should we worry about our children getting the virus as well?

FROM OUR EXPERTS

The quick answer to your question about contracting herpes from a roommate would be: no.

The long answer is: I'm sure there may be a slight chance of catching it, like, if the roommate has an outbreak on his rear end, sits on the toilet seat, then your friend sits on it right afterwards and has a cut in the very same spot. Sure, MAYBE it could happen, but the toilet seat isn't exactly the best breeding ground for the herpes virus. The disease would not survive long in such cold, dry conditions. I've never heard of anyone getting the disease from a toilet seat.

As for sharing towels and wash clothes, there could be some danger sharing a dirty towel with the roommate. If the roommate has an outbreak, uses his towel to dry himself, then afterwards your friend uses his towel before it's been washed, the disease could potentially be spread. But if they are sharing towels but washing the towels in between the sharing, then there is no way it could be transmitted via the towel. As for washing clothes together, I don't see how that could transmit the disease either. So I guess the point is to practice good hygiene and don't share towels unless the towel is washed between different users.

In response to your other questions: yes, you can be tested before ever having an outbreak. You can get a blood test done. If the roommate only has genital herpes, and not oral herpes, you don't need to worry much about your kids. (Just give them clean towels! Every child deserves a clean towel!) :-)

No. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) – the virus causing most cases of genital herpes – cannot survive long on a non-living substance like a toilet seat or hot tub. HSV-2 is most often passed by vaginal sex and anal sex. Oral sex can also transmit the disease. Important: We hope you find this general medical and health information useful, but this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. For all personal medical and health matters, including decisions about diagnoses, medications and other treatment options, you should always consult your doctor. See full Disclaimer .

Definition Alternative Names Bathroom safety; Toilet aides Information People with physical and mental impairments may need to make some changes to their environment to improve their safe access to the toilet. Bathrooms should be adjusted for the person's mobility and self-care skills. Place handrails near the toilet to help the person transfer to the toilet. Remove any throw rugs from the bathroom and all hallways leading to the bathroom. Make sure that proper lighting is available in both the bathroom and hallways. Night lights may help the person reach the bathroom safely. Some people may get confused when they wake up in a dark room. Use night lights or motion sensor lights to help the person see their location. Special raised toilet seats may help people who have trouble using standard toilet seats (e.g. people who have had a hip fracture , or those with arthritis ). You can buy these items from a medical supply company, pharmacy, or hospital supply center. Some insurance companies may co...

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